Monday, October 27, 2008

Gus Johnson obviously felt that he needed to fill that 12th open job spot, that was left open after Elite XC folded last week. The ever-busy Johnson has been hired by the Big Ten Network to work College Basketball broadcasts this season. Not only that, but the network is also bringing back two of the conference's more famous alums. Kendall Gill (Illinois) will be working in studio and former Atlanta Hawks' announcer Steve Smith (Michigan State) will be an analyst for games....

“We couldn’t be more excited about having such a talented lineup for our studio and game coverage. These play-by-play announcers and analysts have a great understanding of the history and tradition of the Big Ten and many of these individuals themselves are a part of that legacy,” said Leon Schweir, Big Ten Network Executive Producer and Vice President for Production.

Johnson will be joined on many Big Ten Network broadcasts by Smith, the former Michigan State All-American, NBA All-Star and Olympic gold medalist. Smith was selected in the first round of the 1991 NBA Draft by the Miami Heat. He enjoyed a 14-year NBA career before starting a career in broadcasting. Smith has served as an analyst on Atlanta Hawks television broadcasts.

I'm not sure that this hire will make people "demand" the BTN now, but it certainly doesn't hurt. And not that he needs it (because the guy is a machine), but it will also allow Gus to get some CBB work in before the Tournament. The Big Ten keeps trying to tap into the younger audience, and one of these days, they might actually pull it off. Here's how their lineup will look come this winter....